Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Disability Services exists to foster programmatic
access to students with cognitive, physical and mental/emotional
disabilities, so students can achieve their educational
aspirations. These rights and responsibilities have
been documented so that we can work together towards
that end.

Rights:

The right to be treated with
dignity and respect by all SDS service providers
(interpreters, graduate assistants, note takers,
office staff) and all members of the university community.

Register in a timely manner with the priority
registration process and notify the office of any
schedule changes
after initial registration if they affect your accommodations.

Complete
other forms as appropriate for the situation (i.e.
Alternative Testing Request) in a timely manner.

Follow
all program, SDS and SCSU policies and procedures.

Report
any grievances in a timely manner.

Meet and maintain
the same academic qualifications and essential institutional
standards as other students
on campus.

Follow the university’s Student Code
of Conduct as required of all students on campus.

Disability Services Appeal and Complaint Procedure

SCSU Complaint Procedure and the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) was enacted to protect individuals with disabilities against the problems of discrimination in such critical areas as employment, housing, public accommodation, education, transportation, communication, health services, and access to public service.

The purpose of the act is to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities, to bring persons with disabilities into the economic and social mainstream, and to provide enforceable standards addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Student Complaints Regarding Quality of Service

Students with disabilities are responsible for contacting Student Disability Services if reasonable accommodations are not implemented in an effective or timely manner. Student Disability Services works with SCSU personnel and students with disabilities to resolve disagreement regarding recommended accommodations.

Procedure for Filing a Complaint on Quality of Service

Notify the Student Disability Services Office Manager if accommodations are not being carried out in an effective and timely manner. If this does not resolve the problem, contact the Student Disability Services Director. If the issue is still not resolved, the next step is a written complaint describing the problem to be submitted to the Vice President for Student Life and Development.

Student Appeal of Documentation Rejection or Accommodation Request

Student Disability Services uses commonly accepted criteria (available on-line or on request) in accepting or rejecting documentation and in determining qualification for eligibility of services. The accommodations authorized are intended to address the functional limitations inherent for the described disability.

Procedure for Filing an Appeal of Documentation Rejection or Accommodation Request

When you have been notified by the Student Disability Services Director that your documentation has been rejected or you have been denied a specific accommodation that you have requested, you have the right to appeal. The appeal should be made in writing to the Vice President for Student Life and Development describing the decision you would like to appeal and the rationale behind the appeal.

Procedure for Filing a Discrimination Complaint Based on Disability

The ADA also requires SCSU to adopt and publish complaint procedures. An individual who believes he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of disability can file a complaint with the Office of Equity and Affirmative Action.

To file a complaint alleging discrimination notify the Office for Institutional Equity & Access in person or in writing, and provide the following information:

The issue involved in the alleged discriminatory act

Identification of the complaining party’s alleged disability

The date of the alleged discriminatory act(s)

Details of what allegedly occurred

Identification of witnesses who have knowledge of the alleged discrimination

If it is determined that law and/or SCSU policy was violated, a remedy to the problem will be offered. If it is determined that there was no violation, the complainant will be informed, and other options for possible resolution of the complaint will be explained.